The Foreign Policy Initiative

The Navy League of the United States was founded in 1902 with the encouragement of President Theodore Roosevelt. The Navy League of the United States has provided a powerful voice for a stronger sea service to Congress and to the American People. The Navy League has grown to become the foremost citizens' organization to serve, support, and stand with all the U.S. sea services -- the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine. Since the Navy League's founding, it has grown to become a worldwide organization with more than 50, 000 members in 240 councils. Council membership includes more than 240 corporate and community affiliate members. Today, the Navy League's original mission is focused on two main initiatives. First, the Navy League's public education efforts are designed to inform the nation, and its political leaders, of the vital importance to the country of comprehensive and fully-prepared sea services. Second, the Navy League, primarily through its councils, provides support for active duty sea services personnel and their families. In keeping with its educational objective, the Navy League also supports America's young people through successful youth programs, including sponsorship of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps and the Navy League Foundation Scholarship Program. Local councils adopt ships and shore commands; reward and honor enlisted personnel of the year; host dinners and balls for military personnel; and visit and support family members left behind when spouses and parents are deployed. In addition, they have planned, executed, and underwritten the ceremonies connected with the commissioning of new Navy ships or openings of new military buildings; raise money and provide volunteer workers for fleet week activities; and host birthday celebrations for the various sea services. Each member of the Navy League receives a monthly copy of Seapower magazine, and a copy of the yearly Almanac of Seapower. Many councils have monthly meetings and social events that include service members as guests. The Navy League has a yearly convention and a Directors' meeting that govern the operations of the organization and foster increased activities in local councils. Navy League sponsors Naval Sea Cadet Corps for youth ages 13 17. This congressionally-chartered program was established to provide education and training to young men and women and enhance their interest in maritime history, customs, and traditions. The program's objective is to ingrain a sense of personal honor, patriotism, courage, self-reliance, confidence, and similar qualities, which will mold good character and citizenship. The Navy League also has a Cadet Corps for youths 11 - 14 which provides mental, moral, and physical training through naval and other instruction and develops patriotism, good citizenship, and instills a sense of duty, discipline, self-respect, and respect for others. Both the Navy League and the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets sponsor numerous scholarships programs. In addition, the Navy League provides support for the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC ), the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC ) and the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC ). The Navy League publishes Seapower magazine, white papers, and special reports. Additionally, Navy League publishes the Almanac of Seapower, a professional reference journal. The League sponsors the Sea-Air-Space Exposition, the largest maritime exposition in the world, educational seminars, and an annual convention of members, and it provides public speaking opportunities at symposia and forums. The Office of Legislative Affairs serves as the Navy League's liaison/representative to the Military Coalition, the Navy/Marine Corps Council, the Navy/Marine Corps Caucus in the House of Representatives, the congressional/legislative affairs offices of: the Department of Defense and the four military services, the Department of Transportation, the